MERI SEIF HAUS (WOMEN'S SAFE HOUSE)

The Meri Seif Haus and Family Referral Service are key services of HWC and constitute the only service of this kind in the Haku language area. The Meri Seif Haus is staffed 24 hours a day. Women and children escaping family violence can access emergency shelter, counselling and referral to longer-term services. Family violence is a major problem in Bougainville, exacerbated by post-war trauma and social issues, and related drug and alcohol use.​Some of these background issues are also targeted by HWC social programs addressing use of alcohol, cannabis and buai (betel nut).